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Poster for In the Valley of Elah

In the Valley of Elah

Seen it?

2007 | 124 min | History, Drama, Thriller, Crime, Mystery

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (73% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans, anyone who likes to be kept guessing and history buffs. If you loved Prisoners, start here.
The mood
Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 4 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: expect violence.

A career officer and his wife work with a police detective to uncover the truth behind their son's disappearance following his return from a tour of duty in Iraq.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    73% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $30 million worldwide on a $23 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 87K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Paul Haggis

  • Tommy Lee JonesHank Deerfield
  • Charlize TheronDetective Emily Sanders
  • Susan SarandonJoan Deerfield
  • Frances FisherEvie
  • James FrancoSergeant Carnelli
  • Jonathan TuckerMike Deerfield
  • Jason PatricLieutenant Kirklander
  • Josh BrolinChief Buchwald
  • Wes ChathamCorporal Penning
  • Jake McLaughlinSpecialist Gordon Bonner